This course introduces students to the laws of evidence at the operational level of law enforcement officers and other criminal justice professionals. The major topics of study include the federal rules of evidence, arrest, force, search, and seizure.

VII. Required Course Content and Direction

Learning Goals:

Course

Students will:

demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of the federal rules governing the assemblage, control and preservation of evidentiary materials in support of a criminal prosecution;

demonstrate an understanding of the rules of law in the criminal justice system including the burden of proof, judicial notice and federal rules relating to trial; and

examine the differences between various types of evidence including presumptions, stipulations and inferences.

Core (if applicable)

This course is not included in the Core.

Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

historical development of the rules of evidence

continuing evolution of evidentiary rules

the burden of proof

judicial notice of law and of fact

relevancy and materiality: admissibility

direct examination

cross examination

re-direct

exclusionary rules

rules governing the admissibility of tests and documents

substitutes for evidence: presumptions, stipulations, inferences

Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

Course

The assessment of course learning goals is based on participation in classroom discussions, written exams, assignments, papers, and/or performance based tasks and projects.

Core (if applicable)

This course is not included in the Core.

Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

See course format.

VIII. Teaching Methods Employed

Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.